On dock, stands a grouping apparently of the office of the Lord Mayor. A red colored loomed rug has been rolled out at the end of the gangplank, and flowers and musicians are there to do the proper greeting sort of thing.

A snare drum on the deck of the Reliant. Silence. Piping. Someone emerges from the afterdeck, hat full of gold lace and plume under arm. Ranks salute, the blond haired fellow steps through the compliment followed by the Captain, also with hat under his arm. A nod to both sides, and the dignitary dons hat and steps down the gangplank as he is piped off.

At the bottom he steps off the gangplank to the welcome offered.... [Zariya and anyone else wanting to do the dockside greeting?]

Zariya is there, of course, to greet Carlton. While most of her clothing is covered in a white fox-fur cloak, a brief glimpse of dark green silk can be seen as she curtsies low to the arriving VIP. Her hair is woven into one thick braid, with tiny silver ornaments braided into her hair. "On behalf of His Majesty Oberon," she says with a faint accent, "I welcome you to Amber, Laird Carlton."

The hat comes off and a bow is offered in return. "Thank you. I am honored to be here today." Carl replies properly.

She straightens, the ornaments in her hair jingling softly as she does so. "It is a pleasure to see you again," she says with a smile.

"Seems like forever since the Haven bash, doesn't it?" Carl sighs a little.

Zariya nods, "It has been a long while, seeming longer because so much has happened."

Carl nods. "And for those of us who habitually abuse fast-time, even more."

Hat is returned to head, and a trump gate shimmers to let an amazon of a being in articulated looking bronzy plate, with helm, with dark blue plumes at crest, leading two horses. One is midnight black, and has the accountrements one would expect of a medieval style warhorse, without the skirting. The other is a lot less stocky and large, with a more graceful build, and a strange saddle, high backed but lots and lots and LOTS of gold decorating the skirts. This white horse with darker nose and grey touches in mane and tail, flicks it's ears and is very very alert.... Another large black horse follows, with rider in saddle, another that looks similar to the first amazon. The VIP takes the reins of the white horse and gets on, waiting to join ranks with the procession. The two in bronze, follow a few paces behind, flanking him.

When Carlton mounts his steed, Zariya moves back slightly to the waiting procession. She mounts her own steed--a fine specimen of a horse so dark of a brown it's almost black--riding the stallion side-saddle, as is proper for a lady of Amber. She guides her horse to ride along with Carl, by his side so that they can talk as they ride if he likes, as they go to the castle.

Carl waits for Zariya to get settled and queue up, his horse standing well, just nostrils and ears moving.

Footsoldiers range ahead of the group, making sure the way to the castle is clear. Other soldiers stay with the group, lining either side of the various people present, to ensure that the small group isn't interrupted. A small group of guardsmen bring up the back, with servants and luggage-handlers inbetween Carl's guardians and the guardsmen behind, lugging along whatever necessities and gifts the Laird may have brought along with him.

Nothing else is unloaded or brought off the ship. Nary a box, bag, crate, or crumb.

(OOC: If anyone else came to greet Carl at the docks, then...well, I don't know where they would be. I also don't know how many men Carl brought with him, but they would be situated as Carl saw fit--his two guardians directly behind him, any further guardians either to the side of Carl & Zariya or behind.)

Nobody else other than the two warriors in plate.

All in all, it is a very secure little parade.

The procession, such as it is, begins to make way from the dock to the castle mount....

Carl's horse steps easily, a fine andalusan stallion, with little guidance it seems.

Carl smiles slightly at Zariya. "I sent the paperwork ahead, and I'm expected to see Prince Paolo before court...so I hope things are in order?"

"Yes, they are," Zariya replies. "His Imperial Highness has agreed to see you, and the meeting was scheduled."

"It is only proper, after all I am coming across the perimeter that he keeps well." Carl adds.

"That he does," Zariya agrees with a slight smile. "Though whether he is keeping Amber safe from the rest of creation, or the rest of creation safe from Amber I cannot decide."

"That one I shall decline to offer an opinion on." Carl replies with a smile.

Zariya laughs softly, "A wise decision, I think." She seems to be in a good mood this day. "How long will you be staying with us?"

"A few days at most or until Grandfather punts my rear." Carl answers honestly.

"I see," Zariya replies. "I hope you find your stay enjoyable. If there are any sights that you wish to see in particular, please let I or Alexis know."

Carl nods slightly. "I know Rolandae came over and shelled most of the place into oblivion not long after I left the last time, so I doubt there is too much to see. You've gone back to pre-industrial revolution I've heard..."

Zariya grimaces, nodding, "Yes, Amber was quite a sight to see when I first arrived. Over time, hopefully, the wounds of war will heal. Although I was not raised with much technology, I have slowly been discovering how useful it could be in our efforts." She sighs softly, giving Carl a brief smile, "However, we are doing the best we can with what we have."

"Do you have a city architect or engineer? I can gift them or you with a few books that might help. Stuff that will work here..." Carl smiles slightly. "A few monarchs ago, I tried doing a habitat for humanity and demonkind program. Including getting slivers and blisters for the cause." he pauses, apparently thinking of something, "And, because a lot of tech would not work here, came up with a bunch of low tech, high knowledge things that did work. If you're interested, of course." Carl looks at Zariya with that. "Most of the stuff you'd need could be made locally..."

Zariya gives Carl a grateful smile, "I would be most interested in such things, as would Alexis. She has more of an idea of what we need to rebuild the City than I. Right now, we are clearing the rubble so that we may start rebuilding in earnest, by spring at the latest. Any help that you can offer is greatly appreciated."

Carl nods. "I'll have the small trunk brought from the ship then." he smiles slightly. "I thought there might be an interest in that stuff, so I brought it along."

"Thank you," Zariya repeats honestly. "It means a great deal to me." She falls silent then, awaiting any questions Carl might have.

"How are you getting along with the guilds?" Carl tosses out.

"Personally, I have not had much dealings with them quite yet," Zariya replies. "I keep meaning to make an appointment to meet with them, but somehow, something else always comes up."

"Just do it. Best would have been if you'd done it as the first thing in office, but the sooner the better. Call in dead at the office and go to the appointment." Carl advises.

Zariya nods, the ornaments in her hair chiming softly when she does, "Good advice."

"There are times when you just have to go ahead and do what is needed. No matter what." Carl adds. "That is one of them."

If he has no more, then the rest of the ride to the castle is uneventful.

At approximately 12:55 pm, the VIP, the Lord Mayor, and the two guards; plus the honor guard; arrive at the base of the mount.

Carl dismounts, and offers a hand up to the Lord Mayor to help her off.

Zariya takes the hand offered to her, and dismounts gracefully. "Thank you," she murmurs, straightening her cloak.

Carl nods politely to that.

"I am afraid I shall have to part company, as I have a one p.m. appointment with Prince Paolo, before court. I shall see you at high court?" Carl offers to Zariya. "I can open you a trump gate to elsewhere, if you have business other than the castle at this moment?" he adds.

Zariya smiles and curtseys to Carl, "Yes, I will be at Court." She straightens again, "Thank you for the offer of the gate, but I have no need of it."

Carl bows slightly to Zariya, a proper way to take leave. "Until court, then."

Zariya exits stage right..

This text is copyright © Lana Gjovig and Deb Rebel; "Amber" is copyright © Roger Zelazny; "Amber" the diceless RPG is copyright © Phage Press. No copyright infringement is intended.

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